Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu, is a major commercial center and port city. Many travelers and adventurers flock to this region because of its prominence as a tourism hotspot in India. The city of Chennai is packed with tourist attractions.

Chennai is the most populous city in southern India and is a gateway to many tourist attractions and natural wonders. Like other South Indian destinations, Chennai is a must-see for every traveler. You may easily spend a weekend or a few days here and get a good taste of the area around Chennai.

Some locations also allow for water activities to be enjoyed. Chennai is a pleasant place to visit throughout the year except for the sweltering summer months. This list of attractions near Chennai can guide figuring out what to see and do during your trip.

10 Best Places Near Chennai For Weekend

Dakshina Chitra

Stop at Dakshina Chitra from Kovalam to Mammallapuram on the East Coast Road. Among the best museums in India showcasing the country's culture, it showcases 18 original historical homes from different regions of south India. Each has been moved here, rebuilt, and outfitted with displays relating to the culture it formerly belonged to.

The Madras Craft Foundation established the museum. The doors first opened in the winter of 1996. Visitors may participate in workshops and other activities designed to teach them about the arts, and there's even a gift store selling the products of those artists.

Golden Beach

In keeping with its name, Golden Beach features a dazzling expanse of golden beaches set against the backdrop of blue seawater. A vacation to the VGP Universal Kingdom grants access to this exclusive beach. It's where you can kick back and relax with friends, family, or yourself.

The abundance of exciting things to do at the amusement park is a big part of its allure. This way, vacationers may combine fun on the rides with relaxing walks along the beach. Golden Beach can be found near Injambakkam, along the East Coast Road, around 20 kilometers from the Chennai International Airport.

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is India's largest crocodile sanctuary and a prominent tourist attraction within 100 kilometers of Chennai. Over 2500 species call this place home, including 14 types of crocodiles and 10 kinds of turtles.

The Croc Bank is a fantastic location to go to if you want to learn something new and have a good time at the same time. Volunteering, donating, or adopting a wildlife animal are fantastic opportunities for anyone interested in wildlife.

Vivekananda House and Museum

On your sightseeing trip to Chennai, stop by the Vivekananda House and Museum, which can be found at Kamaraj Salai off Marina Beach Road. Ice blocks were stored there when it was first constructed in 1842, thus the name "Ice House."

Afterward, it was purchased by a prominent lawyer named Bilagiri Iyengar, who, honoring his friend Castle Kernan, gave it that name. In recognition, the location was renamed Vivekananda House and began hosting annual Vivekananda Navaratri celebrations.

Pulicat

To avoid the heat and crowds of southern India, visit the ancient beach port town of Pulicat (also known as Pazhaverkadu in Tamil) north of Chennai. Dutch India has this unusual tourist site. Until it was ceded to the British in 1825, the Dutch held sway over Pulicat for 214 years, beginning in 1606.

But Pulicat's roots go back to the ancient Chola kingdom, which flourished in the third century BC. One might visit a Dutch Cemetery or one of the many local churches, mosques, or temples. After Odisha's Chilika Lake, Pulicat's lake is the largest in India, containing salty water.

Government Museum Chennai

Government Museum Chennai is one of the oldest public museums in India, with some really valuable artifacts. In-depth information about Tamil history is available to museum-goers during guided facility tours. Some exhibitions date back to the 10th to 13th century, and others are more recent, including various bronze goods from the present era.

The marble statues of the Amaravathi Gallery are very captivating. It can be found on Pantheon Road, Egmore, and is open every day of the week except for Fridays and federal holidays. The hours of operation are from 9:30 AM until 5:30 PM. The site also houses the Museum Theatre and the Connemara Public Library.

Venkateswara Temple

The Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala is a major Hindu pilgrimage site and one of India's most popular and prosperous. Lord Venkateswara is a manifestation of Vishnu, the Hindu divinity, and Tirumala Hill is home to the principal temple devoted to him.

However, the TTD Gardens, an evergreen and exquisite paradise beyond the hillocks of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, cannot be missed. Tirupati is a great site and is only about 200 kilometers from Chennai. Thus, it is among the best places to visit near Chennai within 200 km.

St. George Museum

A visit here is a must if you're in Chennai. After its opening in 1948, the St. George Museum has been under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. A total of three stories and ten galleries showcase the extensive collection.

The museum features various artifacts, including weapons (such as swords, rifles, pistols, cannons, daggers, and daggers), clothes (including those used by different grades in the British army), silverware (from both St. Mary's Church and Tranquebar Zion Church), and more.

Chennai Rail Museum

The Chennai Rail Museum is another option for history buffs and those interested in the city's past. This museum covers 6.25 acres of land on New Avadi Road in Lakshmipuram. Here, guests can learn about the inner workings of a locomotive and its history.

There are Colonial-era steam engines and antique carriages to examine and enjoy. If you're traveling with kids, you can take them on a toy train journey. The hours of operation for the Chennai Rail Museum are from 5 AM to 8 PM. There is no fee to participate.

Covelong Beach

It is located 40 kilometers from Chennai and was formerly a major harbor. On the approach to Mahabalipuram, you'll pass by Covelong Beach. The many beach-related activities available at this location are a major draw for visitors. Covelong Beach offers various recreational opportunities, including windsurfing, swimming, and more.

Conclusion:

Visiting Chennai in a monsoon is a refreshing and invigorating adventure. Rainfall in the city ranges from mild to heavy, relieving the oppressive summer heat and transforming the terrain into a verdant paradise.

Cool breezes and light rains are in the forecast as the weather improves. The areas immediately next to Chennai have similar weather patterns. Thus, it is possible to make the most of the season by planning a vacation there during the monsoon.